And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom 5:3-6)

Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. (Psalm 69:6)



Thursday, March 24, 2011

What I pray when I pray for the lost


My senior adults are some of my best students. I praise God that at an age when most people want to slow down we have been blessed with a proactive group of disciples. They refuse to be “old dogs” whom can’s be taught anything new. Passionately they delve into the scriptures to learn and grow. Amen.

One of the burdens the seniors have shared is the lostness of several family members. When I say lost I am referring to those who do not yet have a relationship with Christ in which He is Savior, Lord, and Love. (I have a previous post on this within the blog) The lost may very well be someone who knows that they do not fit into the category of being a Christian. However, most people either do not know they have a need of a savior or they assume that they already do have such a relationship.

Just the other day I was asked how to pray for two of these individuals. Here is my advice…

  • Pray first for God to begin drawing the person unto Himself. God is the initiator of all salvation.
  • Pray for their dissatisfaction with the world. People need to see that the world and its offerings are not the answer to life’s emptiness. Often it is helpful to pray that a person comes to the end of themselves.
  • Pray that they see their sin as sin as God sees their sin. If we don’t deal with the sin issue we can not truly come to see our need of a savior. We must pray for their eyes to see the insufficiency of their own being before a Holy God.
  • Pray they repent. Pray that they would be drawn by the Holy Spirit to love God more than they love their sin. (Romans 1)
  • Pray for opportunities to share the truth of scripture with them.
  • Pray that they understand God’s truth and apply it personally.
  • Pray for them to become real disciples. This will be a natural outcome of a true conversion. But too often we fail to walk with a person at this point. Be one to thus encourage and applaud each of their successive steps in sanctification. You never know how many others will come to Christ because of one person being saved.
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